By Tom Breihan on January 6, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. EST

-- The Telegraph reports that a very dedicated letter-writer is working hard to kick folk-punk fixture Billy Bragg out of the village where he lives. Thirty of Bragg's neighbors in the English town of Burton Bradstock have received letters attacking Bragg's left-wing political views and musical talent. So if you see a mob of villagers chasing Billy Bragg with torches and pitchforks, now you know why.

-- On February 8, Nonesuch will release Tell Me, the new album from alt-country singer-songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield. The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach produces.

-- We Live in Rented Rooms, the new album from veteran lo-fi depressive (and Home Depot employee) F.M. Cornog, aka East River Pipe, is coming February 15 from Merge. Hear the album track "Cold Ground" here.

-- The celebrated L.A. DIY venue the Smell turns 13 this year, and the spot celebrates the occasion with a two-day birthday party January 7-8. High Places, Captain Ahab, Pit Er Pat's ButchyFuego, LCD Soundsystem's David Scott Stone, Ghost Animal, and others will play.